What we do
Protecting the world's
most vulnerable children
Children caught
in emergencies
Respond
Conflict, war and natural disasters leave children facing hunger, insecurity and violence. When they happen, we respond with immediate relief – and we stay for the long term, helping to rebuild lives.
Children living
in extreme poverty
Empower
Communities are empowered to create lasting change and a better future for children. We help children and families have clean water, nutritious food, better health, education and ways to earn a living.
Children facing
abuse and exploitation
Protect
We speak out on issues like child marriage, child soldiers, child labour, violence and abuse. We influence laws and those who have the power to change children's lives and give a voice to children themselves.
COVID-19 threatens the most vulnerable. Millions could die if we don't act now.
World Vision is rapidly scaling up prevention measures to stop the spread and save lives. It's the largest ever humanitarian aid plan we've launched in our 70 year history.
100
Working in nearly 100 countries around the world, we have the global reach to transform children's lives in the world's most dangerous places.
Who are the most vulnerable?
Children living in the world's most dangerous places and most at risk of poverty, exploitation and abuse. And in places where conflict, famine and political instability are persistent, children are inevitably at greater risk.
1/10
CHILDREN CAUGHT UP IN CONFLICT
Islam, 2, from Syria, cries outside her family's tent at an informal settlement in Lebanon. Wars are terrifying and traumatic experiences for children.
Whilst many of us have homes to retreat to during this coronavirus pandemic, thousands of refugees may be forced to face it without shelter, running water or healthcare. We're working to change this.
2/10
CHILDREN AFFECTED BY DISASTERS
The aftermath of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique left families devastated.
Natural disasters leave children even more vulnerable. When they happen, we're there, providing immediate relief to the most vulnerable children and their families.
3/10
CHILDREN FACING DISEASE AND HUNGER
22-month-old Mishu from the Democratic Republic of Congo is being treated for severe malnutrition. Ten months ago, he fell ill with malaria and typhoid and never really regained his health.
Millions of children die each year from preventable causes. It’s a lottery of dirty water, infections they weren’t immunised against, malnutrition and illnesses that can be treated with the right health care. See how we improve children's health.
4/10
CHILDREN LIVING IN EXTREME POVERTY
Ireen, 8, from Malawi, fills her bucket from a stream where she gathers water every day. She walks for water two or three times a day, travelling barefoot, carrying 10-litre buckets of water.
5/10
CHILDREN IN ABUSIVE OR EXPLOITATIVE RELATIONSHIPS
The ongoing conflict has made South Sudan a very dangerous place to be a child. Children have been forced to join armed groups. Many are fearful for their lives.
James, 14, was on his way to a farm with his three sisters when armed men kidnapped them. Life as a child soldier was a traumatic experience for him. Thankfully, he escaped and got the care he desperately needed. He's now reunited with his family.
6/10
CHILDREN AT RISK OF CHILD MARRIAGE
Nasima, 12 and her father from Afghanistan. Through World Vision, her father has learned that child marriage is harmful. He now wants to support her education.
Did you know that 12 million girls under 18 are married each year? By forcing young girls into marriage, they're stripped of their freedom, their right to education, and their lives are put in danger. Learn how we protect children.
7/10
CHILDREN IN DANGEROUS WORK
Rohingya refugee children carrying firewood they gathered outside their camp in Bangladesh. It's a dangerous activity. World Vision's kitchens have propane gas-powered stoves, so families don't have to send their children out to collect firewood.
Since 2017 families have been forced to flee Myanmar. Their lives have been turned upside down, and they rely on food relief to survive.
8/10
CHILDREN LIVING WITH A DISABILITY
Wavinya, 12, is a sponsored child from Kenya. She was born unable to walk. Thanks to Child Sponsorship, her family is supported and included in community life.
Negative attitudes towards people living with a disability can be the main barrier to their inclusion. By raising awareness about discrimination, and encouraging families living with disability to take part in activities, we help children like Wavinya to have better opportunities.
9/10
CHILDREN FACING DISCRIMINATION
Girls today face more opportunities, yet more challenges. They risk missing out on school, violence, early marriage and practices like female genital mutilation.
Education is the key to unlocking girls’ potential. We empower girls to know their rights, parents to support them, and schools to help them get the full education they deserve.
10/10
CHILDREN WHO LOSE PARENTS OR CARERS
11-year-old Paska, from South Sudan, has become "mum" to her two sisters. They were orphaned when their mother died in childbirth and their father left them behind. They now face the combined risks of poverty, malnutrition and the spread of coronavirus.
The problems vulnerable children will face over the coming weeks and months have suddenly got so much greater. Learn about our coronavirus response and how you can help.
Join us to reach the most vulnerable children
There are lots of ways you can help. You can donate, sponsor a child, pray with us, join our campaigns, get involved through fundraising, volunteering and much more.
How we help children
See how your support is helping to transform millions of children's lives. Thanks to UK supporters, in 2019 we helped 2 million children in 42 countries.
How donations are spent
In 2019, for every pound spent by World Vision UK, 82p went towards our work for vulnerable children around the world and 18p was spent on raising another pound.
Our research and publications
Read our reports, papers and briefings. Among others, this includes our Listening to the Most Vulnerable Children research, and Faith and Development case studies.